Biomass Production System (BPS) Ground Based Performance Testing

The longest BPS ground test to-date was the BPS Mission Verification Test done to provide a high fidelity end-to-end system test of BPS hardware and operations. This test took place at Kennedy Space Center from 4/9/01 to 6/21/01. The BPS temperature and humidity control, atmospheric control, lighting, and nutrient delivery systems performed within specifications. Ambient temperature conditions for the test ranged from 22°C to 28°C. Temperature systems performed well over the full range of ambient conditions and temperature setpoints were maintained throughout the test. Humidity setpoints were maintained within specification under nominal conditions; however, drift in humidity was observed during high ambient temperatures with large plant load conditions, and during CO₂ drawdowns. CO₂ levels in the wheat chambers were within ± 10% of setpoint under nominal conditions. Several automated CO₂ drawdowns and CO₂ cylinder changeouts were successfully completed. The ethylene scrubber maintained ethylene levels below 50 ppb. Plant growth was initiated in a total of eight root modules. BPS operations from preflight preparation through flight and postflight were demonstrated to be capable of supporting all hardware validation and science requirements.